Winning pieces are among the works on display in the 2010 Art About Agriculture exhibit at the Santa Paula Art Museum.

The exhibit, which runs through Feb. 6, features images that reflect issues and ideas related to agriculture.

"This exhibit brings together 40 artists who address the subject of art about agriculture in all its many forms and in a variety of mediums," said John Nichols, director and co-founder of the Ag Art Alliance. Formed in 2007 by Nichols and Gail Pidduck, the alliance works to promote a greater appreciation of agriculture by revealing the many aspects of agriculture through the eyes of artists.

"Viewing this exhibit reveals not only the beauty of what is around us in Ventura County, but also raises awareness of the place of agriculture in our lives and calls us to become better informed about the issues facing the survival of our food system both locally and globally," Nichols said.

The Use of Symbolism Award went to "Mother Earth" by Hanna Lore Hombordy. "Home Grown in California" by Pam Shelly won the Honoring Our Artistic Roots Award. The Excellence in Technique Award went to "Big Tom" by Marcey Sheffield. "Fall Vineyard" by George Lockwood received the Sense of Agriculture Award, and Duane Dammeyer garnered the Juiciest Award for his sculpture "A Slice of Life."

Honorable mentions were awarded to two watercolors, "Upper Ojai Hay" by Patty Van Dyke and "Fresh Picked" by Eileen Maloney.

"It is always an honor for an artist to be selected for a prestigious museum exhibit. It adds to that honor to be awarded a cash prize and an honorable mention by judges," Nichols said.

Maloney, a resident of Camarillo, said that "agriculture provides so many opportunities for artistic expression — this exhibit is an example." She was inspired to paint "Fresh Picked" because "I love to paint watercolors of the fresh produce and flowers that are available at our farmers market."

Hombordy, a Ventura resident who won for "Mother Earth," explained that the piece is hand-drawn on tiles with a ruling pen, using ceramic materials. "The work was fired after adding colored glazes. The abstract sits atop seeds, combined in an organic form." Hombordy added that she often creates works "related to growth and plant material. Both my entries in the show concern growth. It seems to me everything grows well in California, including weeds."

It is clear these artists are inspired by agriculture and they do a wonderful job of showing us the many different aspects, said Jennifer Heighton, executive director of the Santa Paula Art Museum.

"There are paintings that focus on field workers, others on tractors and trucks fruits and vegetables. All the paintings, photographs and sculptures are unique and beautiful in their own way," Heighton said. "Ventura County has a long history of agriculture so the exhibit is a perfect theme for our area."